“I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.” Psalm 119:167

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses, but it’s message can be summed up in this simple statement: “Love God’s commands and live by them.” The psalmist emphasizes how God’s commands have inspired him to pursue a life of purity and righteousness and taught him to avoid every wrong path.

My prayer today is that we might all become lovers of God’s commands allowing them to direct us and protect us as we live our lives and pursue our careers. Here is just a small sampling from this great Psalm on loving, and living by, God’s commands (which are also called precepts, statutes, decrees, and laws).

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” (vs. 10)

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (vs. 18)

“Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.” (vs. 24)

“Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” (vv. 33-34)

“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” (vs. 60)

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” (vs.66)

“I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.” (vs. 93)

“I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.” (vs.104)

“My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.” (vs.112)

“Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.” (vv. 127-128)

“The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.” (vs. 138)

“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.” (vs. 160)

“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (vs. 165)

Do you love God’s commands and desire to live by them?